Wilko | Five things to never say to someone going through redundancy

When someone we know - whether a colleague or friend - is facing redundancy, it can be easy to try and think of something kind to say. But don't be so quick to offer platitudes that can actually be hurtful and triggering.

As Wilko announced more job losses amid store closures, here are the five key things not to say...

"Take them for everything you can get!"

Ahh, the money comment. Yes, yes, sue that massive brand for everything, rinse them dry, burn your bridges! This is super unhelpful because redundancy is often a package, based on terms that might even have been set out in your contract. This is no Hollywood movie where the small guys end up snaring the bad guys and walking off with millions.

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Espresso opinion | How businesses can handle redundancy processes in an ethical way

If someone is worried about their payoff, or what their redundancy might include, their best bet is to consult someone in a legal capacity, or speak to their HR team directly. Making redundancy only about cold hard cash removes all of the feelings of fear, rejection and upset that might be involved, which are also valid to the person affected.